Degree Apprentice Software Engineer Review

I'm currently working as a member of PMO on one of the accounts within Capgemini. This involves tracking project progress, helping to prepare for large meetings as well as many other things. I regularly interact with the client, as well as people internal to Capgemini, and have been given a lot of responsibilities despite being an apprentice.

I've learnt an immense amount since becoming a degree apprentice. Whether it's from the 8 week ALE where I learnt all about problem solving, Java and Databases using SQL, or my day-to-day client facing role where I’ve run team meetings upwards of 45 people, I’ve learnt much more than I feel I could have anywhere else. I feel like real life experience is vital to learning and fully understanding something, which is exactly what’s helped me so much so far.

I love learning and real-life experience, so this programme has been thoroughly enjoyable for me so far. I’ve been given responsibilities and am relied upon, giving me a real sense of worth and achievement when something is complete. The first 8 weeks of ALE were also thoroughly enjoyable due to the events held and the friendships made during it.

I feel valued by Capgemini due to being put on a client-facing role where I’m expected to communicate with the client regularly and build relationships. Not only this, but the people are friendly and everyone is willing to help you with whatever you might need help with whether you know them or not.

The programme is well structured. It starts with an intense 8 weeks at the Accelerated Learning Environment where you get taught how to problem solve and program from the ground up by Aston University. After that, it’s into the business working on real life projects and programmes. After your first day at university after finishing ALE, you then get your live lecture timeline so that you know what you need to attend and when.

The training provider, Aston University, are good at providing support to me as a degree apprentice. The on boarding people were very helpful with getting us on board, and the lecturers and teaching assistants are more than happy to respond to your questions and even give you some of their own time in order to help you out.

As mentioned before, the people within Capgemini are always happy to support you and help you no matter what the problem or request is. There’s been multiple times where I’ve needed some information or help, and was able to reach out to people within the organisation who were happy to provide support.

My costs are met well, with any expenses greater than those of travelling to my base location being covered.

There are currently multiple opportunities outside of work, including visiting schools, attending careers fairs and so on.

Yes

I would recommend Capgemini to a friend. They have been extremely supportive with me joining and ever since, giving me some great opportunities to push myself and get outside of my comfort zone to achieve more. Everyone that I’ve spoken to has been nice, and the company really values its employees and stands up to its seven core values.

Just be true to yourself, ensure you do everything that they ask in a timely manner and ensure that you get across everything that you want to. I would recommend giving as much detail as possible where relevant, and responding ASAP in order to progress on to the next steps of the process.